FILE - In this Aug. 28, 2017, file photo, Delcy Rodriguez, president of the Constitutional Assembly, gives a news conference in Caracas, Venezuela. A human rights activist said Venezuela has released dozens of prisoners accused of inciting violence against the government. Rodriguez had several of the prisoners escorted into a government chamber Saturday, Dec. 23, before she lectured them and wished them a merry Christmas. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan, File)

Among the first prisoners to walk free was Alfredo Ramos, the former mayor of the northern town of Iribarren, and professor Carlos Perez, who spent more than three years in jail, local media reported.

Nearly half of the prisoners were granted release more than a year ago, but had remained behind bars. Others were never convicted of crimes, Romero said.

Opposition leaders accuse President Nicolas Maduro of using harsh tactics to control government opponents and are pressing for prisoners to be let go in ongoing negotiations with the ruling socialist party.

But the latest releases show that Maduro, who is desperately looking for support as the country tries to refinance its huge foreign debt, may be willing to compromise on some of their demands.

On Saturday, national constituent assembly president Delcy Rodriguez referred to the next round of negotiations in January and wished several of the prisoners a merry Christmas.

She announced that a total of 80 prisoners who were accused of instigating violence dating back to 2014 were under review for release.

Foro Penal reports that the Venezuelan government still holds more than 200 political prisoners.